Matrix metalloproteinases in peripheral vascular disease

• Published in: Journal of vascular surgery 2007-04, Vol.45 (4), p.849-857
• Main Authors: Hobeika, Mark J., MD, Thompson, Robert W., MD, Muhs, Bart E., MD, Brooks, Peter C., PhD, Gagne, Paul J., MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal - drug therapy; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal - enzymology; Atherosclerosis - drug therapy; Atherosclerosis - enzymology; Biomarkers - metabolism; Constriction, Pathologic - drug therapy; Constriction, Pathologic - enzymology; Constriction, Pathologic - surgery; Enzyme Inhibitors - pharmacology; Enzyme Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Extremities - blood supply; Humans; Ischemia - drug therapy; Ischemia - enzymology; Matrix Metalloproteinases, Secreted - antagonists & inhibitors; Matrix Metalloproteinases, Secreted - metabolism; Peripheral Vascular Diseases - diagnosis; Peripheral Vascular Diseases - drug therapy; Peripheral Vascular Diseases - enzymology; Recurrence; Surgery; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases - metabolism; Varicose Ulcer - drug therapy; Varicose Ulcer - enzymology; Varicose Veins - drug therapy; Varicose Veins - enzymology; Vascular Surgical Procedures - adverse effects; Venous Thrombosis - drug therapy; Venous Thrombosis - enzymology
• ISSN: 0741-5214; 1097-6809
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2006.09.066

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are extracellular matrix–modifying enzymes that are important in many physiologic and pathologic vascular processes. Dysregulation of MMP activity has been associated with common vascular diseases such as atherosclerotic plaque formation, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and critical limb ischemia. For this reason, MMPs have become an important focus for basic science studies and clinical investigations by vascular biology researchers. This article reviews the recent literature, summarizing our current understanding of the role of MMPs in the pathogenesis of various peripheral vascular disease states. In addition, the importance of MMPs in the future diagnosis and treatment of peripheral vascular disease is discussed.